These are the sermons that I preach each week. And some other things, too.

Sunday, November 13, 2016

A Prayer

Father,

We've just had an election. For some it was best thing ever to happen. For others it was the worst thing ever to happen. But for us it was neither. Elections are important, but not that important.

Father, we ask that You would drive home to our souls this simple fact: Presidents come and presidents go. But Jesus doesn't come and go. Jesus has ascended to Your right hand. He is Lord. And He will rule forever and ever. You have made Him head over all things, and that will never change.

So, legislation, filibusters, Roberts' Rules and elections can never get in His way. He rules despite these things. He rules using these things.

And He will rule until every enemy is conquered. And on that day every knee will bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord. And that will make You look good, indeed.

Father, a great need of the day is for Your Church to see that we are the major player when it comes to changing our world. Jesus uses us, His Church, to bring about the change He wants.

This not a common understanding of how this world works. Few believe the preeminent role of the Church in this world, even in the Church. That weakens our efforts. It tempts us to place our hopes and efforts elsewhere.

So, Father make clear to the people of God that while what nations do by their elections is important, it's not nearly as important as what Jesus is doing by His Church.

We ask for this so that we can understand the significance of what we do. We are the light of the world. As Jesus guides us by His Spirit, we will change the world. It will take generations for that change to be completed, but what we do matters.

Help us to believe this part of the Gospel so that we will be faithful in serving our Lord Jesus, the ruler of all things.